Maryland State Police are currently investigating the mysterious death of a man found at the bottom of a well in Callaway. The deceased, identified as 53-year-old Joseph Andrew Murrin, was discovered on August 3, 2024, following a search initiated after his family reported him missing.
Murrin’s family contacted the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack on August 2, after a fire was reported at his residence. Local police, firefighters, and Murrin’s relatives searched the home and surrounding property. The following day, family members found him at the bottom of a well near the home. The well was described as being approximately 30 feet deep.
A coordinated rescue effort was launched soon after Murrin was found. Maryland State Troopers, firefighters from several departments, and technical rescue specialists worked together to recover Murrin’s body from the well by Sunday afternoon. He was subsequently transported to the medical examiner’s office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The recovery operation included personnel from the Leonardtown Barrack, St. Mary’s County Volunteer Fire Service, Montgomery County Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Team, Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, and other fire and rescue agencies from multiple jurisdictions.
Maryland State Police crime scene technicians processed the scene for evidence, while personnel from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the St. Mary’s County Office of the State’s Attorney also assisted in the investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this case to contact the Leonardtown Barrack at 301-475-8955. The investigation is still ongoing as officials work to piece together the events leading up to Murrin’s tragic death.
